Benefits and other help if you are on a low income
You can find details on this page of the benefits and help available to you if you are on a low income.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are on a low income.
You should claim Housing Benefit through the council if you:
- are living in temporary accommodation or supported accommodation
- have reached pension age
- are already receiving Housing Benefit and have changed your address within the borough.
Universal Credit is replacing Housing Benefit and you can find out more about this below.
Council Tax support
Council Tax support is money off your Council Tax bill.
If you are on a low income you may be able to get up 75% off your Council Tax bill.
It is limited to properties up to Council Tax band E.
You can still get Council Tax support if your property is in band F, G or H but it will be less (limited to 75% of the charge for a band E).
You apply for Council Tax support as part of your Housing Benefit application.
Universal Credit
If you on a low income, out of work or you cannot work and are not already getting Housing Benefit you can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions for Universal Credit.
Universal Credit will help with:
- your rent to a private landlord
- your rent and some service charges if you rent from a housing association or a private landlord
Find out how Universal Credit could help you
More help with costs
If you get Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support but still cannot pay your accommodation costs, you may be able to get help through our Discretionary Housing Payment or Hardship Relief.
If you are over State Pension age and on a low income you may be eligible for Pension Credit.